Siksika Health Services Collective Agreement 2023-2026

Preamble

The parties recognize that the Employer and the Siksika Nation have the legal responsibility for the provision of adequate, effective, professional, and culturally responsive ambulance and emergency management services within Siksika Nation Territory consistent with the needs of the Siksika Nation, between the Siksika Nation, His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, and His Majesty the King in Right of Alberta.

The parties recognize that the Siksika Nation and its members hold certain Treaty and Aboriginal rights, including the right of self-government as an existing Aboriginal right within the meaning of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Nothing in this Collective Agreement shall be construed so as to abrogate or derogate from the application of section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, to any existing Treaty or Aboriginal rights of the Siksika Nation or Siksika Nation members, and nothing in this Collective Agreement shall affect the ability of the Siksika Nation or Siksika Nation members to enjoy or exercise any existing or future constitutional rights of Aboriginal peoples of Canada, or to benefit from any other arrangements or agreements that may be applicable.

The Union and the Employer agree that it is in both interests to support the delivery of effective, efficient and culturally sensitive ambulance and emergency management services to the members of the Siksika Nation through the development of ambulance and emergency management programs and services which are based on First Nations laws, culture, customs, values, traditions and standards.

The Employer and the Union agree that they will strive to work together in a spirit of partnership with all nations, honoring each one’s uniqueness and the creator’s gifts with dignity and respect. Both parties intend to maintain harmonious relationships among the ambulance and emergency management services, the Union and members of the Union and to cooperate in an endeavor to promote the well-being of the communities served. The Employer, in so doing, is guided by the principles of Siksika culture.

It is the purpose and intent of the parties to this agreement to foster and maintain an environment that promotes respect and dignity in the workplace. The parties further intend to set forth reasonable and fair terms and conditions of employment and other related provisions and to provide for the equitable settlement of all matters in dispute which may arise between the parties.